Milwaukee vs. Purdue Odds
| Milwaukee Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+24.5 -105 | 144.5 -110o / -110u | +2400 |
| Purdue Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-24.5 -115 | 144.5 -110o / -110u | -10000 |
The Milwaukee Panthers open up their 2022-2023 campaign at the Purdue Boilermakers on Tuesday night.
Both teams have seen significant roster turnover, but the Panthers have seen worse between the two. Of the players on Milwaukee who averaged at least 10 minutes per game in 2021-2022, only three have returned.
Bart Lundy took over the head coaching duties, so turnover is expected, but this is a raw team.
He did add Keon Edwards from Nebraska, who is a former top-100 recruit who originally attended DePaul. Look for Edwards to potentially lead the way on offense.
Purdue lost most of its prized 2021-2022 team, including Jaden Ivey, Sasha Stefanovic, Trevion Williams, Eric Hunter Jr. and Isaiah Thompson. This leaves major holes at the guard position — in particular, which guard will run the team?
The frontcourt is covered by Zach Edey, Caleb Furst and Mason Gillis.
Either way, both of these defenses are the weakest link on their respective clubs. Purdue ranks 57th in KenPom preseason ratings in defense, while Milwaukee’s basically brand-new roster ranks 289th.
Given Edey’s abilities in the post and the addition of David Jenkins Jr. for Purdue, it should have the offensive artillery needed to help the total in this one.
Milwaukee will look raw, but should be able to string together buckets against an immature Purdue backcourt.
These are indicators for an over.
Milwaukee Panthers
A rebuilding season is never fun for a new coaching staff or a team’s fans, but this will likely be the case for the Milwaukee Panthers this year.
They will take their lumps, but the addition of Edwards will at least give them an opportunity to boast some athleticism against weaker backcourts.
This could be the case on Tuesday, with Purdue searching for answers at the guard position.
Edwards did not log many minutes in either of the last two seasons, but he still has top-100 explosiveness for a guard. Here is a look at his versatility on offense:
Keon Edwards doing work in Milwaukee ProAm!@MKEPantherPod @MKEPantherPod@gcbcbasketball@AZFinestMixtap@bigsloan32@takemytalentpic.twitter.com/ajubi9JeUZ
— Carl Edwards Jr. (@cedwards9540) August 8, 2022
Lundy did add a few more guards in the offseason. Brian Taylor II, Zach Howell and Elijah Jamison look to get plenty of opportunities on this new-look team.
The Panthers fill out the rest of their lineup with some JUCO and Division-II transfers who could give them some boost. Vin Baker Jr. and Markeith Browning II are two names who can provide some familiarity to the lineup.
Jalen Johnson comes from Alabama A&M and will need to work inside. This is a tall task to match up with Edey in his first appearance as a Panther, so I do not expect much from him.
Moses Bol and transfer Ahmad Rand will log some heavy minutes trying to lockdown the savvy post veteran.
Purdue Boilermakers
Edey will dominate with some new faces against him. He no longer will be splitting time with Williams, so his 14.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in only 19 minutes per game should get a boost for however long he can handle.
Purdue's offense will run through Edey with less flexibility at the guard position, but Painter loves a double screen and roll, which frees up Edey toward the basket.
With a new frontcourt for the Panthers, this should be used plenty:
Purdue stagger lobs for Zach Edey pic.twitter.com/sfPMmblmXT
— Jordan Sperber (@hoopvision68) March 8, 2021
The Boilermakers will look to fill the offensive gaps with Jenkins, Brandon Newman and some other new freshmen faces at guard.
After being a journeyman at South Dakota State and UNLV, Jenkins averaged 8.5 points per game for Utah last season. He will lead the Boilers at the guard position.
The largest question mark will be who can handle the passing duties. Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer come in as freshmen for this offense. Ethan Morton and Newman will probably get a first look at point guard, but do not be surprised to see the other players log minutes.
Milwaukee vs. Purdue Betting Pick
There is just enough explosiveness out of the Milwaukee offense to score consistently. Edwards and Bol could see the rock more than others, but they can take advantage of the weaker Purdue perimeter. They need to knock down some shots and push those guards off the dribble.
Painter knows how to play through Edey, and the new freshmen could see some big minutes, along with Gillis, Newman, Morton and Jenkins.
Purdue will put up points, but will allow enough for the over. Take the over at 141 (-110), and play to 143 (-110). This is already at 141.5 at open on some books (like FanDuel), so take it early, if possible.
Pick: Over 141 (-110) | Play to 143 (-110) |
